Decision on which B-class ships to upgrade...

[markkarj]

Hi folks:

One question I have is: how did BC Ferries decide on which B-class ships to turn into V-class (or modified V-class like the New West) ships?

I'm under the impression the first four had problematic engines before they were upgraded. Did that play a part?

Why did the Queen of New West undergo its surgery rather than say the Nanaimo or Burnaby?

M

[Nick]

The V-class have always been the Victoria, Vancouver, Saanich and Esquimalt. The B class were a modified design that was built a few years later, and included the Burnaby, Nanaimo and New Westminster. It always has been 2 "separate" classes, albeit very similar.

As for why the New West got the upgrade rather than her other 2 sisters, I don't know. I would guess that the others already had specific routes assigned, and rather than mess all that up and retrain crews, they chose the New West. The other possibility is that the New West was in the best physical condition.

[Scott (Former Account)]

From what I recall the New West was chosen because she was a surplus ship in the late 80's, and spent very long period of time tied-up with no use. When BCFC came up with plans for the Mid-Island Express (Route 30), she was lifted and re-engined with four Wartsila diesels to join the Alberni on that route from Departure Bay in 1991.